A store operated by the Fashion Boutique chain FabIndia in Panaji, Goa was detained on Friday as it allegedly had a CCTV camera which overlooked the trial rooms in that outlet. This issue was reported by the Union Minister of HRD Smriti Irani who apparently went there to buy some clothes. Smriti came across this camera when she went to change clothes and the members of her entourage spotted the camera pointing right towards the trial rooms. She was on a two-day visit to the state of Goa when this case was reported.
The case was filed by a BJP MLA on behalf of Smriti Irani in the Calangute Police Station. The FIR has been filed under 354 and 509 of IPC. The SP of North Goa police took 4 members under custody. After the investigation it was found that the camera although were installed outside the trial they indeed had a view on the inside.
Michael Lobo, the MLA who filed the FIR reportedly said that,"When we went and switched the camera on, the entire video was recorded...This is mischief...Somebody has been watching the recordings."
The Police has sealed the store and took in 3 members for investigation and also the MD and CEO of the company will be brought in for further questioning.
The Police seems to take this matter seriously as they have set up a special team to investigate all the showrooms in that area and ensure that no CCTV cameras are installed near the trial room.
FabIndia MD, William Bissell said the cameras did not focus on the trial room. The outlet was in the process of investigating this internally and will be cooperating fully with the police.